man, and as was adapted to secure to all under its broad ÆGIS, the
purest liberty God ever conferred upon him.

That Declaration, and that Constitution, we think, may be considered
as more fully developing the primary ideas of American republicanism,
than any other documedts. In these, individuals are regarded
distinctly and respectively--each and every one as men, fully
capacitated by the Creator, for government and progressive advancement-
which capacities, in a natural exercise, are not to be interfered
with by government.

Republicanism, in these two documents, has an eye to individual
freedom, without lets or hindrances. In her operations, she is impartial.
She regards man—all men ; and is indifferent to all arbitrary
and conventional considerations. This we deem to be the character
of the Declaration of Independence-and this, likewise, the
character of the Constitution, after which it was modelled. Republianism
was to be the distinguishing feature in its operations.

The Constitution of our State, as it sprung from the clear
head and pure heart of that incomparable patriot, JOHN JAY, in
its preamble and several sections, was, in spirit, concordant with it.
By this we mean, that although the qualifications for voting, in general,
were higher than those prevailing at the present, yet the ground
of the suffrage enactment was not based upon national peculiarities,
or complexional distinctions. It said that any man possessed of such
and such qualifications, should be a political denizen of the State.

As the State advanced in age, intelligence, and population, augmented
in wealth, and extended in resources, the call went forth for
the extension of the franchise right. In accordance with the will of
the people, thus expressed, a convention was held in the city of Albany
in 1821-2.

We beg that it may be remembered, that the convention was called
for the purpose of extending the suffrage right. We would also call your
attention to the fact, that the votes by which many of the delegates were
elected to that convention, were cast by colored voters. And more
especially would we remind you, that during the proceedings of that
convention, in its reports, addresses, &c., a peculiar deference is
ever paid to the republican features of our common country,
and its democratic tendencies. Yet in that convention, that
portion of the citizens of the State whom we here represent, were
shut out from an equal and common participation in the prerogatives
of citlzenship, in the operations of both State and National Governments,
and thus placed under the operation of laws and statutes without our
agency, and to which we are subjected without acquiescence.

We, the Colored Citizens of the State, in Convention assembled,
representing 50,000 of the population, do ask your earnest attention.
your deep reflection, your unbiased and conscientious judgment in
this matter. We ask you, as a matter in which YOU are deeply concerned,
to come forward and restore the fountains of political justice